Waiting, A Dangerous Game

by Faizal Rahim

  CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

  SHIRLEY HAD INVITED MORRIS TO her apartment. They held hands and took the stairs to her apartment, kissing each other passionately while climbing each level. Shirley had never let a man embrace her in such a way. She gave herself completely in his arms. They stood at her doorway and kissed one last time. Shirley opened the door of her apartment and went in. Before Shirley could turn around and invite Morris in, he grabbed her hair and banged her hard against the wall, knocking her unconscious instantly. He pushed her to the floor and closed the apartment door. He went down to the streets and approached the black Chevrolet. He could hear the faint noises becoming louder. He looked around the streets and saw that no one was paying attention. Fucking stupid people. Always busy and no time for others.

  He drove the car to the basement carpark of Shirley’s apartment where it was secluded. He opened the car boot and saw the girl moving away from him in fear. He smiled at her and punched her in the face, knocking her out. He went up to Shirley’s apartment and carried her on his shoulders. He took the stairs again so that he won’t be noticed by anyone. No one took the stairs to their respective apartments as the elevator stopped at every level. He placed Shirley inside the car boot together with the girl. He cramped them both into the tiny boot space and slammed the boot shut.

  CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

  ROSSI SAT IN HIS CAMRY quietly while he smoked his cigar. He was thinking of his next move.

  The third shop that he went to was located at Apple Avenue. When he reached the location, he noticed that the shop was closed. The shop also looked as if it suffered from an explosion recently. The windows were all shattered and the entrance to the shop was blocked by a huge police barricade. The burnt smell coming from the shop was still fresh. Rossi walked over to a neighbouring shop. The shop was selling speakers and Rossi could hear the music blasting away as he neared the shop entrance. He entered the shop and the music was even louder. He walked over to the counter and showed his ID to the staff. The staff was a girl in her twenties, blonde hair and had multiple piercing on her ears and she even had piercing on her eyes brows and lips. The girl wore thick black eyeliners and spotted a black lipstick. The girl acknowledged Rossi and cut the music. For a moment, even the silence sounded loud.

  “What’s up?” The girl asked.

  “What happened to the shop over there? Was there some kind of accident?”

  “Oh that,” the girl pointed to the shop and continued, “two days back, there was an explosion heard in the shop. It was loud. I could hear it even with all these speakers on. I rushed down to take a look and the whole shop was in flames. Thank god that no one was hurt.”

  “Was the shop opened for sales that day?” Rossi asked the girl.

  “The shop has been closed for a week. The owner went on a holiday with his family. He told me to keep an eye for him while he was away.”

  “You didn’t suspect anything?” Rossi asked her.

  “Hey are you saying that I am responsible for this? How many times you guys will ask me the same things?” The girl folded her arms and frowned at Rossi.

  “Doesn’t hurt to say it one more time, does it?” Rossi waited for the girl to answer.

  “Fine, if that’s what you want. I did keep an eye on the shop. You don’t expect me to keep my eyes on the shop 24/7 right? I have my own business to run to you know. I heard the explosions, I called the cops. They came and asked me the same questions. I told them just what I have told you.”

  “Did the cop give you his name card or any contact numbers?”

  “Yeah, he passed me his contact number and told me to call him if I saw anything suspicious. Here this is the number.” The girl passed the number to Rossi.

  Rossi thanked the girl and left the shop. Rossi went back to his car and dialled the number. After three rings, someone picked up the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “This is Chief Detective Rossi from CIU. Who’s that?”

  “Hello Detective. This is Sergeant Sebastian from the Arson Branch.”

  Rossi explained to Sergeant Sebastian the reason for his visit to Apple Avenue.

  “Yes Detective. I was the first officer on the scene. Once the fire fighters had put out the fire, I went in to conduct a check. I found traces of the shop being broke into. The Forensics Team found traces of homemade dynamites. We suspect that it was a burglary attempt and the suspects decided to blow up the place once they were done.” Sergeant Sebastian explained.

  “Was the shop installed with CCTV?” Rossi asked.

  “Yes Detective. The shop had CCTV installed.”

  “Did you see anything from the footages?”

  “I am afraid that is not possible Detective.”

  “Why?”

  “When I checked the scene for evidence, the burglars not only took cash from the shop.”

  “What else?”

  “The tapes of footages from the CCTV were also missing.”

  Rossi knew very well that this was not a random act. He knew suspect had a part to play in this. Rossi thanked Sergeant Sebastian and ended the conversation. He lighted up his cigar and took a huge puff, looking out his car window and thinking about his next move.

  CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

  SHIRLEY LOOKED AROUND THE PLACE. There were no windows at the place. There was only one door which Shirley assumed to be the entrance door. The place was eerily quiet and Shirley could not hear any sounds. Shirley looked around trying to sight her clothes. She knew her revolver has been taken by Morris. She could not see where he kept it. She could not sight the girl’s clothes as well. Shirley wondered how long the poor girl has been a captive with Morris.

  “Looking for your revolver darling?” Morris mocked at Shirley.

  “Fucking coward…” Shirley spat in the direction of Morris.

  Morris laughed at Shirley’s gesture. He waked over to the girl and started fondling her, the girl cried and screamed in fear and in pain.

  “Stop it Morris! She is a young girl. Why are you being a monster? You’re a fucking bastard. Just stop it.” Shirley pleaded with Morris. She knew she had to keep on talking and get Morris’s attention away from the young girl. Shirley knew that he will only come to her after he was done with the girl. As long as Shirley can stop him from doing things to the girl, she knew she was buying time to keep both of them alive till help came.

  “Rossi’s going to find you.” Shirley shouted.

  Morris stopped fondling the girl and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, Shirley could barely identify the man standing in front of her. Morris was filled with rage. He walked to Shirley and gave her a hard slap, Shirley almost falling to the floor together with the chair. Shirley felt buzzing sound in her ears, the pain was so sharp that she almost blacked out. Shirley felt blood trickling down from her lips. When Shirley regained her composure, Morris slapped her again, this time Shirley falling hard to the ground with the chair. Shirley felt pain swarming all over her body rapidly. She felt constant pain in her head. She looked up and Morris barely able to open her eyes and her mouth.

  “Is that the best you could give?” Shirley asked Morris.

  “No, that is just samples. Trust me; it will get worst when I am fully onto you.” Morris laughed and straightened Shirley back to sitting position with the chair.

  “Let me tell you again Shirley. No one is going to find you. Not even Grumpy. This is my secret fortress.” Morris told Shirley.

  “Soundproof?” Shirley nodded her head towards the door. Keep talking and he doesn’t go to the girl.

  “That’s right. No sounds go out. No sounds come in. Soundproof walls, soundproof door.” Morris sat down on a nearby chair.

  “What place is this?” Shirley asked again.

  “Shirley, you are acting like a small kid now. Do you think I really don’t know
what you’re up to? No one is going to come for you.”

  Shirley did not know what to say. There were a thousand questions and reasons running through her head.

  “Since you are going to die soon, let me make you happy. Ask me anything you want and I will answer gladly. No harm confessing to a dying person. The confessions die with you too.” Morris laughed.

  CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

  ROSSI WAS BACK AT CENTRAL Street. He parked his Camry in front of No.21 and dialled for Shirley’s mobile. The mobile kept ringing but no one answered on the other end. Rossi disconnected the call and pressed the bell. Mrs Tyson came out and acknowledged Rossi immediately. She waved to Rossi to enter the house.

  “I hope I am not disturbing you Mrs Tyson but I need a favour from you.”

  “What do you want?” Mrs Tyson asked politely.

  “I need to know if you would allow me to enter Cambria’s room.”

  “You are welcomed to. Feel free to go through her room.” Mrs Tyson ushered Rossi into Cambria’s room.

  “Do you want anything to eat or drink?” Mrs Tyson asked Rossi.

  “That is so kind of you but I am fine. Thank you.” Rossi replied.

  Rossi entered Cambria’s room and Mrs Tyson closed the door. She left Rossi alone in the room. Rossi was glad that Mrs Tyson did not follow him in. He wanted to have the room to himself so that he can think clearly.

  First thing Rossi noticed was that the room was tidy and kept. Rossi guessed that Mrs Tyson cleaned the room everyday to remind her of her daughter. Rossi noticed that the room was totally pink. A typical girl’s room. The walls were painted in pink with tiny heart shape designs. Boy band posters were pasted at certain sections of the wall. Rossi never knew such a boy band group even existed. The curtains were in pink. The bed frame and the bed sheet were in pink too. Even the photo frames were pink. It was pink everywhere.

  Rossi went to the wardrobe and slide it open. He noticed that most of the clothes and the footwear were also in pink. He used his hands and combed through the wardrobe hoping to find what he was looking for. The search was negative. Rossi walked over to the desk and looked at the photo frames placed on the desk. All the photos were pictures of Cambria in different phases of her life. The desk had three drawers. Rossi pulled the top drawer and looked into it, hoping to find what he was looking for. Negative as well. He pulled open the second drawer and instantly smiled at what he saw. There was a book inside the second drawer which looked like a diary. The book was in pink and the top of the book had the initials C.T. written with pink ink. Rossi took the book and flipped to the first page. My Thoughts were written on the first page. Rossi hoped that Cambria’s diary will have some valuable lead pertaining to the suspect. He went through the third drawer to make sure if there were anymore diary or notes written by Cambria. There were none.

  Rossi sat on a nearby pink chair and browsed through the pages;

  TUESDAY

  Dear Diary,

  Had a blast with friends. Today was the first day I tried drinking. It tasted bitter at first and I felt as though I was flying on my first glass. Second and third glass made me happy. My friends told me that I was a natural born drinker. Didn’t want Mom and Dad to know, so I climbed up the window into my room.

  SATURDAY

  Dear Diary,

  Dad wants me to become a lawyer. I got no interest in becoming one. I want to join the Force. That seems so much fun. Mom told me to follow my heart. Love you Mom.

  WEDNESDAY

  Dear Diary,

  Had an argument with Dad regarding my career. I just hope Dad understands my passion. Writing to you in tears.

  Rossi kept on reading and flipping the pages;

  MONDAY

  Dear Diary,

  How have you been? It’s been a long time since I wrote on you. Missed you a lot. Training is tough but I am enjoying every minute of it. I finally feel as though I belong to something meaningful.

  By the way, I saw this cute guy at training. I think he belongs to the senior batch. We made eye contact. I had goose bumps. LOL

  Rossi sat up straight and give his full alertness to whatever was written by Cambria;

  FRIDAY

  Dear Diary,

  Went on my first date with him. Went to watch a movie. We kissed. (Giggling away). He seems so magical. We shared a lot of intimate moments together. He has invited me to his place on Sunday. He stays alone at Lagoon Villa and will it be safe for me to go alone? I am not sure if I am ready for it. Heard all my friends talk about their first times. I wish mine would be as good as what they describe. (Giggles). Just hope I won’t disappoint him.

  Rossi flipped through the pages. He realised that was the last thoughts penned by Cambria. He turned page by page to see if there was anymore notes or words written by Cambria. Rossi turned the last page and saw a photograph pasted on it. The photograph showed Cambria with the man she wrote about. Rossi knew who the person beside Cambria was. Rossi remembered the call that he received regarding the victim found at Lake Victoria. The nerve of that asshole.

  Rossi dialled Shirley’s mobile again. This time the call got disconnected after four rings. Rossi dialled Shirley’s mobile again but he received an automated answer saying that the mobile cannot be reached. Rossi tried a few more times with the same results.

  “Morris… you fucking asshole!” Rossi’s voice echoed throughout the room.

  CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

  SHIRLEY SAW MORRIS THROWING HER mobile to the floor, the mobile breaking into tiny pieces.

  “I told you, he’s going to find you.” Shirley smirked at Morris.

  “If you think I threw the mobile to the floor because I am scared then you are just being stupid. I just don’t want any more calls from him. I already told you Shirley, no one is going to find you. When I am done with the two of you, I am leaving this country. By the time, they have a lead on you, I will be long gone.”

  Shirley looked at the girl beside her. The girl was still crying but tears seemed to have dried up. Shirley heard the girl murmuring softly to herself, probably praying away.

  “What did this girl do? Why kill her? She didn’t do anything wrong.” Shirley nodded her head towards the girl. The girl was still murmuring away not listening to the conversation between Morris and Shirley.

  “You don’t give up do you? Well, might as well just get this over and done with. What do you want to know?” Morris asked Shirley.

  “Why?” Shirley asked Morris back.

  “Why? You still can ask me why? I’m surprised that you can even ask me this question.” Morris was getting agitated and animated.

  Shirley kept silent and waited for Morris to continue. She knew Morris has taken the bait. She told herself not to interrupt him and only to say things at the right time. Shirley knew the game has started.

  “It is all because of you Shirley. You are the course of everything. Every act committed by me is because of you. You are responsible for this. If you think you have nothing to do with any of these murders, you are dead wrong. Each and every one of my murder resulted because of you. You have a part to play in all my actions.”

  “I don’t understand…”

  “Don’t give me that crap. None of this would have happened if you did not reject me. You are equally responsible for all these girls to be dead just as I am. Every time Shirley, every single time I asked you out on a date, every single time you said no. You rejected me every single time. I was totally disappointed and upset with you. I really liked you a lot and I wanted to be with you. You never understood what I went through. You never took me seriously. You treated me like a fool. You made use of me so much. Every time you had problems with your projects and assignments, who did you come to? Me. You never asked yourself why I was always willing to help you. You just took me for a ride. You made use of me.
You treated me like shit.”

  “I always treated you as a friend…” Shirley said.

  “Oh just shut the fuck up.” Morris interrupted and continued, “If you considered me your friend, you wouldn’t have kissed me and let me embrace you. You’re just full of shit. A fucking slut is what you are.”

  Shirley tried to get up from the chair but the rope used to tie her up only tightened on her. Shirley felt pain and tried to regain her calmness. She told herself to keep her anger till the time was perfect.

  “Did it hurt? Look at you, just like a horny tigress.” Morris laughed.

  “How did Cambria come into the picture?” Shirley diverted Morris back to the topic.

  “Cambria? Honestly speaking, she was a beautiful and lovely girl. I knew she was attracted to me. I could see it in her eyes. I came to a point where I totally gave up on you Shirley. I was willing to give Cambria a chance. She was smart and had a great sense of humour. Everything was going great.”